Question

big idea/
learning
goal
i can describe the
collision theory.
i can describe and
explain the factors
affecting rates of
reactions, including
surface area,
concentration,
catalysts,
temperature and
pressure.
youve got it!
next steps:
demonstration

1. how is the effect of a catalyst on a reaction explained by collision theory?

Explanation:

Catalysts provide an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. According to collision theory, a reaction occurs when reactant particles collide with sufficient energy (activation energy) and proper orientation. By lowering the activation energy, more particles have the required energy to react upon collision. This increases the frequency of effective collisions, thus speeding up the reaction.

Answer:

A catalyst lowers the activation energy of a reaction. According to collision theory, this means more reactant particles have enough energy to collide effectively (i.e., with sufficient energy to break bonds and form products). As a result, the rate of the reaction increases because the frequency of successful collisions (those that lead to a reaction) is higher.